The newborn stage is a whirlwind of cuddles, feeds, laundry, dirty nappies and unpredictable sleep. If you’re wondering what a routine looks like in the first three months, the key is to keep things flexible. Babies at this stage don’t and won’t follow strict schedules, but they do thrive on gentle rhythms that help them feel safe and secure.
So, what does a realistic routine look like for a newborn? Here are my thoughts on this topic…
What should I expect in the first few months?
In the first few months, your baby’s routine will revolve around three key activities:
- Feeding – generally every 2-3 hours, including during the night (sometimes more, sometimes less);
- Sleeping – short naps throughout the day, with longer stretches developing gradually;
- Awake time – short and sweet, just enough for cuddles, nappy changes, tummy time and some gentle interaction.
Newborns are born not knowing the difference between night and day, and their sleep cycles are still developing. The goal at this stage isn’t to enforce a strict routine (though I know some books encourage this), but to introduce predictable patterns that will generally shape their natural routine.
What is a sample routine for a 0-3 month old?
Here’s a general idea of what 24 hours with a newborn might look like:
Morning (7am-10am):
- Wake up & first feed – start the day with a full feed in a bright, lively environment.
- Nappy change & short awake time – a few minutes of tummy time or snuggles.
- Nap – usually 30-90 minutes.
Midday (10am-2pm):
- Feed – another full feed, followed by a nappy change.
- Awake time – this might be some skin-to-skin time or a short walk in the pram.
- Nap – babies at this age get tired quickly, so another nap follows.
Afternoon & early evening (2pm-7pm):
- More feeds & short awake periods – your baby will continue the cycle of feeding, a little activity and napping.
- Evening fussiness – many newborns experience a “witching hour” in the late afternoon, when they become fussy and want to cluster feed. This is normal and usually settles over time.
- Bath & bedtime routine – a warm bath, a quiet feed, and dim lights help signal that night is approaching.
Night (7pm-7am):
- Night feeds – expect feeds every 2-4 hours overnight. Keep lights low and interactions minimal to reinforce that nighttime is for sleep.
- Longer sleep stretches – by 8-12 weeks, some babies begin sleeping longer at night, but it varies widely.
What are your tips for encouraging a gentle routine?
- Differentiate day and night:
Keep daytime bright and engaging, and nighttime calm and quiet. This helps set your baby’s circadian rhythm. Naps don’t needs to be in darkness at this age.
- Follow wake windows:
Newborns can only stay awake for 45-60 minutes before getting tired. You may be able to extend this slightly from around 3 months onwards.
- Create a simple bedtime routine:
Even a short routine (like a bath, feed, cuddle, dimming the lights and a lullaby) can help.
- Be flexible:
Some days will feel predictable, others won’t. That’s normal at this stage so try not to stress about it!
When will my baby settle into a routine?
By around 3-4 months, many babies naturally fall into a more predictable pattern. Sleep stretches lengthen, feeds become more spaced out, and routines feel smoother. Until then, embrace the newborn phase, knowing that every little step is building toward a more structured routine in the future.
Need help with your little one’s routine?
Are you through the newborn stage but still finding getting into a routine tricky? Set up your free Discovery Call and find out how I can help you get into more of a rhythm. I’d love to hear from you!
